US Bridges

Blackjack over Wolf Creek

FairPosted for load

Elk County, Kansas · 1.0S 2.7E of Grenola · Structure no. 000250921206680

Built
1910
115 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
31 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
15
2019 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Blackjack over Wolf Creek is a concrete culvert carrying Blackjack over Wolf Creek in Elk County, Kansas. It was built in 1910, so it is 115 years old, older than the Kansas average of 52.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 6 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 15 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 20 by 2044. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBlackjack
CrossesWolf Creek
Location1.0S 2.7E of Grenola
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyElk County
StateKansas
Coordinates37.33096, -96.39544
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating10 US tons
Inventory rating10 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.4 m)
Roadway width26 ft (8 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15 (2019)
Projected traffic20 by 2044
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Blackjack over Wolf Creek built?

It was built in 1910, making it 115 years old in 2025.

What condition is Blackjack over Wolf Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in August 2024.

How much traffic does Blackjack over Wolf Creek carry?

About 15 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Blackjack over Wolf Creek?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns Blackjack over Wolf Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.